NFL Legend Jim Brown: I’d ‘Never’ Kneel for the Anthem

The dedicated civil rights activist understands the importance of fighting for the dignity of minorities, but he doesn't believe in disrespecting the country or the flag.

By NTK Staff | 08.08.2018 @5:30pm

Retired NFL Legend Jim Brown, a consistent advocate for African American civil rights, said that he would “never” kneel for the national anthem, prior to an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” on Tuesday evening.

He criticized the thought process behind kneeling for the anthem, noting that the country is composed of all Americans.

“I’ll never kneel and I will always respect the flag,” said Brown, who spoke before an HBO premiere of “Hard Knocks,” which is chronicling the Cleveland Browns in training camp.

…

“I am not going to denigrate my flag and I’m going to stand for the national anthem. I’m fighting with all of my strength to make it a better country, but I don’t think that’s the issue. Because what is the top side? Are you not going to stand up? This is our country, man.

Brown played for the Cleveland Browns in the earliest days of the NFL, and he has become a social justice advocate in his time since his football-playing days.

The former athlete thinks that current players should remember that the American flag is their banner too.